Have fun with our Favorite Indie Patterns series, curated by Sara Lawson of Sew Sweetness! Sara selected 31 patterns from 31 different designers to feature daily all month long, complete with many pattern giveaways. Check in each day throughout July for lots of inspiration. You can update your clothing options with items that reflect your style and fit your body!

Description: The front of the Piper features darts at the bust that provide ease of fit and a stylish silhouette. The boat style neckline in the front has an optional peter pan collar while the back neckline is scooped and has a show stopping bow with ruffles that cascade down the back of the dress. Short, three quarter and long sleeves make Piper a year round favorite.

Format: PDF + Paper (paper available mid-July)

Skill Level: Advanced Beginner

Techniques Involved: Bias binding, sewing darts

Sizes: Piper is relaxed fit, mod shift dress and has a wide range of sizes from XXS – XXL.

WIN A COPY OF THIS PATTERN! We have THREE copies of the Piper Misses Top + Dress to give away. Your comment on this post enters you to win. Tell us about what you look for in a favorite top… Which features flatter you or make you most comfortable? What do you look for in a top to stretch your wardrobe options?

When I’m buying tops I always opt for something that nips in at the waist to make it more defined! I like tops with detail at the back such as exposed zips, buttons, partially open/deep v cut or bows. The tops I usually go for are versatile and can be worn with jeans for a casual look or dressed up a bit with skirts.

I really have trouble with tops! Having a large bust that is out of proportion to the rest of my body, it’s really hard to find a pattern that flatters. I like tops that fit the bust well without showing all that god gave you to the public!

I like tops that are long enough to cover my ‘mummy tummy’ first and foremost, no crop tops for me 🙂 I love all the variations of the Piper top, it looks to be a very versatile pattern that would be easy to re-make differently each time, lots of mileage to be gained from a single pattern – gets my vote 🙂

I love sleeves on my top! For some reason I’ve never liked wearing sleeveless tops (even when I was only 8!)
I love flattering details like peterpan collars! It’s a nice little touch that gives a big impact.

Adorable! I look for a top that is not too baggy, more fitting, but not too tight. I am more fond of rounded necklines and v-necks. I love the cut out on the back of this top/dress. Too cute with the bow.

I like a higher neckline in the front, but a some tailoring for a flattering fit. Since I am still a nursing mom something with a little extra flare/fabric at bottom is requirement though at this phase of life.

I look for tops that go with my work skirts – so I can dress them up or down on the weekend. But maybe I should be looking for a totally work-inappropriate low back top made of coral lace. That one is just stunning.

I LOVE this, and will buy a copy if I don’t win! I love just what this top features–the low back. My back is one of my nicest features, and one my boyfriend likes to see, so I LOVE finding patterns that show it off!

I have wide shoulders so boat necks tend to work best for me. I tend to look for built in darts as I always need to make a bust adjustment. I love that this can be a dress, I am trying to incorporate more dresses into my wardrobe and with the sleeve lengths I could make this work year round!

I look for a top that’s flattering and easy to wear. I don’t like having to also find the perfect everything to wear under it – I just want to be able to wear the shirt without putting too much thought in everything else.

I really love romantic, frilly tops that goes well with my pencil skirts for the office or my Sunday best. Casually I love the nautical theme, love stars stripes and bows. When purchasing a blouse pattern, I try to see if I can use a silky fabric and a jersey, that is the best of both worlds. I enjoy relaxed fits and something that is easy to put on, recently made the Bronte top, loving its simplicity! The Piper Misses Top is on my sewing list, it is so fem!

I would LOVE to have this pattern. I am really interested in doing a little garment sewing, most particularly for my superbly brilliant daughter that needs to update and renew her work wardrobe.
This blouse and dress is a beauty. And the models did a lovely job on theirs!
I like a good fit, darts if Necessary I am not afraid of that.
I like feminine patterns

I love this pattern! I look for a slimming silhouette. Darts and defined waste are important too. I also look for versatile sleeves and hem lines. Thank you for showcasing this wonderful dress pattern.

I love this pattern!
My favorite top is one that fits well. I know that sounds like a no brainer but I have very wide shoulders and have a terrible time finding one that allows me to raise my arms and not have my belly hang out.

Anything with an empire type of waist is my most flattering
To stretch out my wardrobe I look for tops I can wear with shorts or leggings

I usually choose patterns for tops when there is a detail I like that I would have a hard time just making up myself. Does that make sense? In this one, the open back is a detail I might have a hard time with by myself.

What I look for in a favorite top is fit and comfort. I am really small on top so finding something that fits is a struggle, I also usually find woven tops with sleeves to be confining, so I usually stick to knits. I really love the Piper Miss in both a dress and shirt and am tempted to try it out.

I love a top that is made with a material with a little bit of stretch. It more suits my busy lifestyle. I also look for feminine details like the bow and collar on this shirt would compliment my wardrobe very nicely.

What do I look for in a top pattern? Number one, it has to be fairly easy to alter for a larger cup size. Since the Piper dress/top already has darts, that makes the fitting job easier.

Secondly, I’ve discovered that as a curvy generous sized woman, I look good in tops that are fitted but not too tight. And I want at least cap or short sleeves for most tops because my upper arms are generous (to say the least).

Finally, I look for top designs that are somewhat unusual and not ordinary/boring. I tend to like vintage-inspired designs, and unique features, like the bow on the back of the Piper dress/top.

For me; I look at fit for my body type. Will it fit in the bust; will it hang in a flattering way, or look boxy? And wearability-can I wear it often, will it pair with most of my wardrobe. This one is so cute and I could sew it in knits, so it’s a winner:)

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